Osaka Prefecture has an area of approximately 1,905 square kilometers and a population of about 8.9 million people as of 2021. It is located in the Kansai region, adjacent to Kyoto, Nara, and Hyogo Prefectures. Facing Osaka Bay, the region is home to Kansai International Airport.
Historically, Osaka is a significant city in Japan. It flourished during the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, leaving behind landmarks such as Osaka Castle and Taiko Bridge. During the Edo period, it was a center for commerce and culture, earning the nickname ‘Naniwa.
Osaka offers a wealth of tourist attractions popular with both domestic and international visitors. Highlights include Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Tsutenkaku Tower, Universal Studios Japan, and its renowned culinary scene. Osaka is particularly famous for its street foods, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts such as kabuki, rakugo, and more, with a unique touch of Osaka dialect. The city hosts a variety of festivals, with the Tenjin Festival in summer and the Osaka Luminarie in winter being notable examples.
１．Dotonbori
Dotonbori is an iconic entertainment district in Osaka known for its massive billboards, neon lights, and delicious dining options. It offers a rich blend of tourist attractions and shopping areas. The Glico sign, the Kani Doraku crab sign, and the famous Kuidaore Taro are prominent landmarks here. Visitors can savor Osaka’s gourmet specialties, including takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and horumon-yaki.
２．Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s Three Great Castles, along with Edo Castle and Nagoya Castle, boasts historical significance and features beautiful gardens and castle exhibits. It’s also renowned as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. Originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle fell during the ‘Summer Siege of Osaka’ in 1615 but was reconstructed over ten years under the orders of Tokugawa Hidetada.
３．Tsutenkaku
Tsutenkaku is an observation tower established in 1912, with the current structure completed in 1956. It stands at 108 meters tall, and its 5th-floor observation deck offers a 360-degree view of Osaka from a height of 87.5 meters above ground. The tower houses Billiken, the God of Happiness, and it’s believed that rubbing the soles of his feet will grant your wishes.
４．Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is a globally renowned theme park that attracts visitors from all around the world. It features thrilling attractions, exciting shows, and opportunities to meet characters from blockbuster Hollywood films. The park includes nine distinct areas, with popular sections like ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ and ‘Minion Park.’ The ‘Super Nintendo World,’ which opened in March 2021, is dedicated to Nintendo’s game franchises.
５．Shinsekai
Shinsekai is a district known for its vintage ambiance and street stalls, offering a glimpse into Japan’s history. Located at the base of Tsutenkaku, this retro area is cherished for its Showa-era coffee shops, standing bars, and it has recently become a favorite spot for foreign tourists.
６．America-mura (America Village)
America-mura, known as ‘Ame-mura,’ is a hub for youth culture, featuring street fashion, cafes, bars, art galleries, and more. It’s a hotspot for both domestic and foreign visitors. This district constantly births new culture, from fashion and gourmet options to vintage shops, sundries, and art. With around 2,500 stores, Triangle Park hosts performances and free markets.
７．Kaiyukan (Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan)
Kaiyukan is one of the world’s largest aquariums, offering a chance to observe marine life up close. The facility houses a diverse collection of creatures, featuring around 620 species and approximately 30,000 exhibits. The venue’s eight floors provide a variety of experiences, including permanent exhibitions, interactive zones, and special displays. Highlights include the tunnel-style ‘Aqua Gate,’ the massive ‘Pacific Ocean’ tank with swimming whale sharks, the ‘Antarctica,’ and the vibrant underwater tunnel ‘Aqua Gate.
８．Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park is a spacious urban park centered around Osaka Castle. It covers an expansive area of 105.6 hectares, positioned at the heart of Osaka. The park boasts 13 important cultural properties and features historical sites like the ‘Where Toyotomi Hideyori and Lady Yodo Committed Suicide.’ It is also well-known for its cherry blossoms, particularly at ‘Nishinomaru Garden.
９．Abeno Harukas
Completed in 2014, Abeno Harukas is Japan’s tallest skyscraper, soaring 300 meters with 60 above-ground floors. It houses a train station, department stores, offices, and more. Visitors can access the ‘Harukas 300 Observatory’ on floors 58 to 60. After purchasing tickets at the 16th-floor ticket counter, you can take an elevator ride of just under a minute to reach the 60th floor. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Osaka and even see Kyoto’s Mt. Hiei to the north, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to the west, Awaji Island to the southwest, and Kansai International Airport to the south.
１０．Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
Established on the site of the Japan World Exposition (Expo ’70) held in 1970, this park features the iconic ‘Tower of the Sun,’ created by artist Taro Okamoto. The park includes attractions such as the ‘Natural and Cultural Gardens,’ a Japanese garden, the ‘EXPO’70 Pavilion’ in the renovated ‘Steel Pavilion,’ and more.